On Sunday November 5th, the famous New York City Marathon took place and our very own Simon Cairns, VP of Business Development at PNI Media & DSGNMark, was one of over 50,000 finishers! The annual marathon is the largest in the world and this particular race was a very special one for Simon – find out why in our Q&A below.

Why the NYC Marathon?What does it mean to you?

For me, the NYC Marathon is all about coming home. It’s the world’s biggest and best marathon. More than a million fans line the entire course, often 10-deep on either side, to support 50,000 athletes as they run their way across all 5 boroughs. Starting in Staten Island and ending in Central Park, attracting the world’s greatest professionals and most aspiring amateurs, the marathon is considered the single biggest event in New York City, and the only event that truly brings the entire city to its feet. This year’s slogan is NYC Marathon – It will MOVE you. And it’s entirely true, it’s an incredible experience.

What did your training look like in preparation for the run?

My training this year is highly unique in that the NYC Marathon will be my 100th marathon of 2017. While not good enough for the Guinness Book of World Records, I will end the year having run the equivalent of Canada from coast to coast. Specific to NYC, I did a lot of form and pace prep, trying to run more efficiently.

Did you have a personal goal set and how did you do?

I beat my goal time, coming in at 3:22.

Any words of advice for someone interested in participating in the NYC Marathon next year? (Or any marathon)

If you’re going to run a marathon – any marathon - then NYC is the marathon to run. It’s an all-inspiring experience treasured by athletes and their families alike, and the city is absolutely electric leading up to race day. Let me put it this way, I’d rather finish last in NYC than first in Boston any day.

What’s next for you?

I will continue to run and compete on behalf of charities, including races in London, Berlin and a very difficult race across the Alps from Switzerland to France. But my main focus will shift to preparing to climb Everest.

Amazing! We’re inspired and proud to have our DSGNMark logo on your shirt! We can’t wait to see where the next challenge takes you, and we’ll be sure to follow along on Instagram @skyfallenx.